Outdoor Power Equipment Institute buys new headquarters building in Alexandria

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has purchased a new headquarters building and will move its offices to 9,000 square feet of space at 1605 King St. in Alexandria in spring 2018.  The international trade association is currently located on South Patrick Street.

OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser said the trade association outgrew its current space. “OPEI has been dealing with a problem for a couple years now,” Kiser said. “And it's a great problem to have: We've increased our membership and increased our member engagement to a point that we've outgrown our current location and meeting space.”

A staff of 10 will work from the new $5 million OPEI headquarters. It will include a conference center that can seat 50 people for in-person and virtual meetings. This new space also will allow OPEI members around the country and overseas to participate more fully in association business and activities.

“As a trade group with members in Europe, Japan, China and across the U.S., we have global meetings, and we wanted to be able to host them in person and virtually. Now, we'll be better suited to host …  international gatherings,” said Kiser.

He noted in a press release that Alexandria had been the institute’s home for 30 years.  “When we looked to make this decision, we considered other locales, and our board of directors chose to reinvest in Alexandria due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., airports, hotels, as well as its historic character and lifestyle.”

OPEI's new King Street location is on the historic main thoroughfare in the heart of Old Town and is within walking distance of several hotels. It is a block from the King Street Metro station, the second subway stop from Washington National Airport. It also will have private offices reserved for members when they visit the D.C. area.

OPEI closed on its new location on Aug. 15.  OPEI has retained OTJ Architects of Washington, D.C., for the project.

The institute represents more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.